Bates only went public in 2009 about her battle against ovarian cancer in 2003, saying that at the time she preferred to keep it quiet for personal reasons. But she expressed admiration for celebrities who speak openly about cancer and who keep up public appearances after their hair has fallen out from treatment.

Known for playing outspoken and feisty characters, Bates was last seen on television in NBC legal series “Harry’s Law,” for which she earned an 2012 Emmy nomination despite the cancellation of the show in May.

Bates played American socialite Molly Brown in blockbuster movie “Titanic,” and also had award-winning roles in movies “About Schmidt” and “Primary Colors.”